Cabo in May – Things to do, weather and events (2025)
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May is the best month to visit Cabo San Lucas. The spring break is over and the majority of tourists have left, so prices on hotels and tours are lower. Baja is moving toward the low summer season, but the rains haven’t arrived yet. If you are looking for a more tranquil vacation with cheaper prices and picture-perfect weather, there’s no better time to visit Cabo.
From joining Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Cabo’s restaurants and resorts to swimming with adorable sea lions in the Sea of Cortez, and frolicking on Cabo’s sunlit beaches, learn about the best things to do in Cabo in May.
I’ve visited Cabo at different times of the year and can tell you that May was my favorite month to see this popular beach town. In this article, I will share my insights on activities and major events during this month, and offer you some tips on how to make the most out of your vacation.
With so much to cover, let’s get rolling!
Weather in Cabo in May
Cabo San Lucas boasts balmy weather in May, as daily temperatures increase by 2 degrees from April, reaching 87 degrees, but rarely exceeding 92 degrees. Daily lows increase by 4 degrees, reaching an average of 70 degrees, while the daily high is around 92 degrees.
The temperatures in May rarely dip below 64 degrees, but you should still bring a light jacket, just in case. On a handful of days in May, Cabo can experience 92-94 degrees, although it’s rare.
How hot is Cabo San Lucas in May?
Cabo’s temperatures can reach the low 90s in May, although only a handful of days see these temperatures. This could be hot for someone not used to the desert climate, so you should always carry a bottle of water if the forecast calls for higher temperatures.
Water temperature in Cabo San Lucas in May
Water temperature stays around 72 degrees in May, warmer than in March and April, when water temperatures in Cabo are less comfortable for water activities.
Does it rain in Cabo in May?
May is one of the driest months in Cabo, with rainfall ranging between 0.03 inches (1mm) to 0.2 inches (7mm) of rain throughout the entire month, which translates into a maximum of 2 inches of rain.
While June is the official fourth month of the rainy season in Cabo, the rainy season doesn’t kick into full gear until the first week of July. It’s great news if you want to enjoy water activities with no precipitation.
✅ Check: Do I need a passport for Cabo San Lucas?
What to do in Cabo in May
1. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Cinco De Mayo commemorates the battle of Puebla, when the Mexican troops defeated the French on May 5th, 1862. This historic event isn’t celebrated in Mexico, as much as it’s celebrated in the United States, however, Cabo being a popular destination has parties in restaurants and hotels throughout the city mostly geared toward American tourists.
2. Explore Cabo’s marine wildlife on a snorkeling tour
While water temperatures in the Sea of Cortez stay chilly throughout winter, and even through March, May has a more comfortable water temperature for swimming.
I suggest a snorkeling tour in Cabo Pulmo National Park, one of the last undeveloped places in Baja California Sur, that feels like a slice of paradise under the desert sun ☀️
Cabo Pulmo boasts some of the best beaches in Baja California with clear shallow waters where you can swim and snorkel. The entire park is protected by the reef and doesn’t have the big powerful waves that you can see in many places along the Baja coast.
Another option is to rent a 4X4 car and drive to Cabo Pulmo from Cabo San Lucas. Only choose this option if you have good navigation skills (no wi-fi or cell phone signal in the area), and can handle the bumpy desert roads leading to this national park.
If you choose to visit Cabo Pulmo on your own, you should book a hotel there because driving back on the same day will be tiring and you will not have enough time to explore the entire area.
Best snorkleing tours in Cabo San Lucas
3. Join a kayaking tour in Cabo
One of the best ways to see the famous arch of Cabo San Lucas is by a guided kayak tour 🚣🏻♀️ Kayaking tours start early and offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a smooth ride along the Sea of Cortez before the waves pick up, and the water becomes choppy.
A kayaking tour is a great option if you want to visit Cabo Arch without a boat tour.
Best kayaking tours in Cabo San Lucas
4. Book a cruise
Cabo has plenty of cruises from snorkeling cruises 🤿 that bring to the best snorkeling spots in Cabo to sunset cruises with food 🌮 and music to private cruises 💎 that allow you to customize your itinerary however you like.
I suggest booking a Cabo cruise regardless of the you visit the area, and with so many wonderful options, you shouldn’t have any problem finding the right option.
Best cruises in Cabo San Lucas
5. Explore Cabo’s sunny beaches
It might come as a surprise, but not Cabo beaches are swimmable.
Cabo’s beaches along the Pacific Ocean are known for their rough conditions and are dangerous for swimming 🛑 due to big waves and strong currents.
There are a handful of beaches along the Sea of Cortez, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy other water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding.
Playa Chileno is one of the most popular beaches in Cabo’s tourist corridor, as well as Santa Maria Beach and Playa Medano, the main beach in Cabo near many popular bars and beach clubs.
If you want to explore all of Cabo’s beaches, book a car rental 🚗 because you will not be able towalk to these beaches unless you stay at a major resort with direct access to one of these beaches.
6. Swim with playful sea lions in La Paz
Swimming with playful sea lions is a highlight of any Cabo trip!
If you are spending your vacation in Cabo, you can book your tour from Cabo, and the boat will pick you up and get to Isla Espiritu Santo, a protected area outside of La Paz, where you can observe wildlife and marvel at incredible landscapes.
Isla Espíritu Santo tour is one of the musts in Cabo, as it offers a mix of adventure and wildlife watching. If you have a car rental, you can also book a tour of Isla Espiritu Santo from La Paz.
Best tours of Isla Espiritu Santo
7. Tour Cabo’s local taquerias
Cabo is known for its Baja cuisine inspired by seafood and traditional Mexican specialties. While there are plenty of restaurants in Cabo where you can sample local delicacies, Cabo’s taquerias provide the best introduction to the famed Baja fish tacos – a revered staple of the region that’s believed to have originated in Ensenada, one of the biggest cruise ports on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
If you are starting to get familiar with Cabo street food, I suggest Taqueria El Paisa, Tacos Guss, and Mother Flower.
These places are far from tourist traps that are so abundant in Cabo, and when you visit them, you will see a fair share of locals which means you found the real deal. Bring cash to pay and leave tips with you because many small taquerias in Cabo don’t accept credit cards.
✔️Don’t feel like looking for these places on your own?
Book a fun street food tour in Cabo to help you navigate the local food scene without falling into tourist traps.
Best food tours in Cabo San Lucas
8. Explore Cabo’s hiking trails
Early morning is a perfect time to go for a hike. There are several hikes near Cabo, from Mt. Solmar, which you can do only with a local guide to the incredible Sierra de la Laguna Mountains that boast suggested beauty and uncrowded trails just outside of Todos Santos.
One of my favorite hikes near Cabo is Punta Lobos, a scenic hike outside of Todos Santos. Once you get to the top of the overlook, you can admire the views of the Baja’s Pacific Coast and even spot whales splashing in the distance, if you get lucky.
Best guided hikes in Cabo San Lucas
What to wear in Cabo in May?
May brings warm, sunny weather with occasional hot days when temperatures get into the mid-90s. Pack light clothing like dresses, shorts, and t-shirts, and sandals. It’s unlikely to rain this month, but you might want to bring a light jacket just in case.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat because Cabo is starting to get hot in May. It’s easy to get sunburned in Cabo when spending time outside, so you should always apply sunscreen before going out.
✅Check my packing list for Cabo
What to pack for your trip to Cabo San Lucas:
1. Light dress
Pack a summer dress for restaurants, and beach clubs walking around Cabo.
2. Shorts
Shorts are a staple you will need in Cabo regardless of the time of the year. I recommend bringing denim shorts for everyday wear, hiking shorts, beach shorts, and sports shorts that you can wear to the gym.
3. T-shirt
Pack a few t-shirts that you can combine with shorts, hiking pants, and other clothing.
4. Sandals
Comfortable sandals are the best type of footwear for your trip to Cabo because you can wear them in many places and combine them with tons of outfits.
5. Layers for early mornings
Pack a couple of layers for early mornings, if you plan to hike or spend time outside. It can be a bit chilly and sometimes windy, especially at higher elevations and more exposed areas.
6. Sunscreen
You should always bring reef-safe sunscreen on your trip to Cabo, whether you are visiting it in May or any other month. The sun in Cabo is extremely strong and it’s easy to get a sunburn even on a cloudy day, because of the strong UV radiation.
7. A hat
Pack a wide-brimmed hat that will protect you from the rash sun by casting a shadow over your face.
8. A light jacket
Although you probably won’t use it much, a light jacket could come in handy when you take a morning or evening cruise in Cabo San Lucas when temperatures are cooler.
Why visit Cabo San Lucas in May
From lower prices to more comfortable water temperatures, there are plenty of reasons to visit Cabo San Lucas in May.
1. The spring break is over
While big crowds clear out by May, the best news is that the spring break is over and you can enjoy Cabo’s beaches and bars without hordes of rowdy college kids.
2. May is a shoulder season in Cabo
May is the shoulder month in Cabo that marks the transition from the busy winter season to the low season, which has higher humidity and higher chances of rain.
3. Warmer water for swimming
By May, water temperatures in Cabo rise to mid 70’s, which means water sports like swimming and snorkeling are more enjoyable.
4. Plenty of great deals on hotels and tours
May is a great month to score deals on hotels in Cabo. This is great news because you can enjoy much better rates on many popular resorts along the Sea of Cortez, as many try to entice travelers to make a reservation. Book your accommodation early to score an even better deal!
5. Longer days
The length of the day increases by 26 minutes throughout May, which means you have more daylight to enjoy Cabo.
Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas
Budget: Mayan Monkey
One of my favorite cheap hotels in Cabo, Mayan Monkey is a hostel that also doubles as a hotel with private rooms, a kitchen, and a common area. Mayan Monkey is an amazing place if you are visiting Cabo by yourself and want to meet other travelers. It has free wi-fi, an on-site bar, a restaurant, and there’s a daily breakfast for an extra charge.
✅ CHECK PRICES AT MAYAN MONKEY
Mid-budget: ME by Cabo
One of the best hotels along Medano Beach, ME by Cabo is a pet-friendly property with a spa, pool, and fitness center. Cabo sits along a private beach and is only 10 minutes from the city’s downtown with its dining and shopping options. You can also enjoy a wonderful buffet breakfast every morning.
Luxury: Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort and Spa
Breathless is an all-inclusive adult-only resort along the Sea of Cortez. They have six on-site restaurants, free on-site parking, and an airport shuttle. Breakfast is served every day and is available at an extra charge.
✅ CHECK PRICES AT BREATHLESS CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo in May: FAQs
Is Cabo cold in May?
No, Cabo is not cold in May. The average daily temperature reaches 87 degrees, and on some days, it can even climb to 90 degrees. Evenings are cooler with the average temperature ranging between 65 and 70 degrees.
Is there seaweed in Cabo San Lucas?
There’s no seaweed in Cabo San Lucas. Seaweed is a big problem on Mexico’s Caribbean beaches due to its unpleasant odor that resembles rotten eggs, however, Baja’s beaches are free from the pesky sargassum. Cabo sits on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, which never gets seaweed, due to its geographic location away from the Sargassum Sea where this seaweed originates.
Is May a good time to visit Cabo?
May is a great time to visit Cabo. It’s less crowded and cheaper, and the water temperature is warmer for water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Is Cabo cold at night in May?
Cabo’s nights are relatively warm in May with an average temperature of about 70 degrees.
Is Cabo humid in May?
Cabo has perfect sunny weather in May with low humidity and little precipitation.
Is it windy in Cabo in May?
Cabo is slightly more windy than other months in Cabo. The highest daily average wind speed during May is 10.4 miles per hour.
Will I see whales in Cabo in May?
Unfortunately, you will not see whales in Cabo San Lucas in May. The whale season ends in April, but you can still see plenty of other marine wildlife like dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, and even mobula rays, one of the most enigmatic animals that jump out of water.
To see whales in Cabo, you need to visit between December and early April when hundreds of humpback whales migrate to Baja’s coast to breed and give birth to their young calves. February and March offer the best chances for whale spotting before the whale-watching season begins to wind down in April.
When is hurricane season in Cabo San Lucas?
The hurricane season in Cabo San Lucas is from June through October, although Cabo usually skirts high-power storms. August and September have the higher chances of hurricanes and the most humidity.
Cabo in May: final thoughts
May is my favorite month to visit Cabo. The weather is great and you can take advantage of lower prices on hotels and tours and enjoy less crowded beaches in Los Cabos. I prefer visiting Cabo in May, when the high season is over, or in November before the high season begins.
